Top Oahu Helicopter Tours

There are plenty of Oahu helicopter tours to choose from. Looking at ratings and reviews given by previous travelers, here are the best tours available right now:

• Open-Door Helicopter Tour Over Oahu
• Royal Crown of Oahu - 60 Min Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On
• 45 Minute Isle Sights Unseen Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On
• Private Oʻahu Experience: ALL WINDOW SEATS
• Private 60 Minutes Helicopter Tour in Honolulu

Oahu helicopter tours are definitely worth it. They're one of the most popular Oahu activities. Depending on the tour, you'll get birds-eye views of the Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Diamond Head, Honolulu’s city skyline, and the reefs at Hanauma Bay—plus much more. Plus, they're a great way to orient yourself on the island.

Helicopter tours in Oahu cost from US$220 for an 18-minute shared ride over Honolulu’s most famous stretch with pilot commentary. For a romantic tour with multiple stops and only you aboard, expect to pay up to around US$2,500—these typically include a Champagne toast.

The best time of day for an Oahu helicopter tour depends on what you’re looking to experience. Morning flights can offer clearer views and smoother flying conditions. However, a sunset tour is most magical, as it allows you to watch the sunset over the Pacific and admire Oahu lit up at dusk.

Yes, you can take a helicopter from Oahu to the Big Island. One popular way to do this is to combine a land and air tour from Oahu. Explore by land first, then during your flight, get a bird’s-eye view of the volcanoes, waterfalls, and tropical jungles of the Big Island.

Yes, it’s polite and customary to tip helicopter pilots in Hawaii. The standard is around $10–$20 per person, although you might want to consider a bit more if your pilot is exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Oahu aside from helicopter tours. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Sunset Cruises

• Snorkeling

• Jet Ski Rentals

• Parasailing

• Dinner Cruises

Oahu helicopter tour prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now:

• 18 Minutes SHARED Helicopter Tour in Honolulu

• 18 Minutes PRIVATE Helicopter Tour in Honolulu

• City By The Sea - 20 Min. Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On

• 30 Minutes SHARED Helicopter Tour in Honolulu

• Path to Pali Passage - 30 Min. Helicopter Tour - Doors Off or On

You'll want to be aware of a few variations for helicopter tours. Some are private tours, just your group and the pilot, and some are shared. Some tours have doors on, while others are doors off, offering a more high-adrenaline experience. If you are looking for a specific experience, take a look at the tour’s duration and the anticipated flight plan. Check to see if your tour has a maximum per-person weight restriction.

To give yourself peace of mind when taking a helicopter tour, choose a reputable company with high ratings from previous customers. If you are on a doors-off tour, you’ll likely want to wear long sleeves and pants to account for the windy conditions. Bring polarized sunglasses to reduce glare off the water and secure all loose items. Be sure to arrive early for your tour to sign any waivers.

Yes, some helicopter tours in Oahu allow children. Typically, children are charged at the same rate as adults for helicopter tours. Doors-off tours often have a minimum age or weight requirement. Before booking, consider whether your child will enjoy the thrill of the helicopter ride or if it will be too much for them.